The UK firm has instead brought in Ian Twinn to head its US operation, in a move that Frank PR chairman Graham Goodkind called a "reboot".

Goodkind declined to comment on the reasons behind Dowd's departure, pointing instead to Twinn's qualities as a former colleague.

“Ian lives and breathes the Frank PR approach to public relations and the creation of public reactions for brands," said Goodkind. "He’s a true professional with a deep overall understanding of the media world and the communications mix and he has the knack of being able to take clients on a journey through this to their massive benefit."

Twinn previously worked with Goodkind and Frank PR co-founder Andrew Bloch at seminal UK firm Lynne Franks PR. He has held numerous senior PR roles in the US, most recently as VP of strategy and development at Smart Fusion, along with positions at Brodeur Partners and Zeno Group.

Dowd departs the agency with immediate effect. He joined Frank PR in July last year to launch its New York office, after 18 months at GolinHarris.

“Having helped Frank PR set up and get off the ground in the US, the time is now right for me to move on," said Dowd. "It has been a privilege and a pleasure helping get the business off the ground, and I know it will be a huge success here in the US."

Twinn will lead a team of five at Frank PR's New York operation. “When I was approached with the opportunity to work with Graham and Andrew again and help build the Frank PR brand in the US I jumped at the chance," he said. "It has a solid foundation and I now look forward to taking the business forward.”